Roxanne's brows furrowed. Just as she was about to speak, Benny, as if reading her mind, amended his request. "You don't have to do it every day; just until the anniversary celebration."

Roxanne sighed in relief. "All right," she agreed. Her answer filled the children's faces with elation. Displeasure, however, flickered across Lucian's face as he noted Benny's concession. He understood both Benny's motivation and Roxanne's ready agreement; with rehearsals for the play, there was no point in her avoiding him. After the anniversary celebration, she could resume her distance.

Dinner ended well past eight, given Roxanne's late arrival. Time was short; they rushed through rehearsal before Lucian took Estella home. Reluctant to leave, Estella needed coaxing. Roxanne smiled. "Be a good girl, Essie. I'll pick you all up from school tomorrow, and we can have fun then, okay?" Only then did Estella comply.

As Roxanne started to say goodbye to Lucian, his phone rang. She waited tactfully as he answered, his expression emotionless. It was a work call, and he briefly informed Roxanne before stepping onto the balcony to take it, leaving her with the three children.

Seeing Lucian on the phone, the children's eyes lit up. Before Roxanne could react, they were off, playing. Smiling in resignation, Roxanne joined in, initiating a game of hide-and-seek. Their house wasn't large; Archie and Benny predictably chose the same hiding spots. Roxanne quickly found them, and the three set off in search of Estella. Benny tugged gently at Roxanne's sleeve.

Following his gaze, Roxanne saw a pair of dainty legs beneath a curtain, still attempting to wriggle further into the corner. Unaware of her discovery, Estella struggled for a better hiding spot. Amusement tugged at Roxanne as she glanced toward the balcony. Lucian, his back to them, remained on the phone; it would be a while.

Roxanne signaled for silence, intending to prolong the game with Estella. The boys, understanding, called Estella's name, pacing the house. A faint giggle, quickly stifled, emanated from behind the curtain. Seeing Estella's delight, Roxanne approached silently.

"I found you!" she said, gently pulling back the curtain. Estella, momentarily stunned, ran off, laughing. Roxanne, tickled by her response, calmly followed. "I'm going to catch you now!"

Archie and Benny joined the chase, surrounding Estella. Panicked, she fled toward the balcony. Lucian, having just ended his call, was unaware of the unfolding scene. He turned to see his daughter, breathless, crashing into him. Instinctively, he caught her.